Pain management is a field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating various types of pain. While many people experience temporary discomfort that resolves on its own, others face persistent pain that impacts their daily activities. Medical professionals use a variety of approaches to help individuals manage their conditions, and these methods provide different approaches. Here are some innovative techniques:
Injections & Nerve Blocks
Injections and nerve blocks are standard procedures for addressing pain. In one method, epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the space around the spinal nerves. Providers can administer joint injections, which may contain corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, into joints like the knee or shoulder. Trigger point injections target specific knots of muscle that are causing pain and tightness, and this approach may relieve discomfort. These methods allow for the targeted delivery of medication to a specific area of the body.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a pain management procedure that uses an electrical current to heat a small area of nerve tissue. Before the procedure begins, providers typically perform a diagnostic nerve block to identify the correct nerve. The heat from the RFA damages the targeted nerve, and this disruption interferes with its ability to send pain signals to the brain. They may apply RFA to nerves in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints.
Nerve & Spinal Stimulation
Nerve and spinal cord stimulation are advanced techniques that modify pain signals. Spinal cord stimulators are devices that are surgically placed under the skin, and they send mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses disrupt the pain signals traveling to the brain. Before permanent placement, a trial period lets the patient and doctor evaluate the device’s impact on pain.
Peripheral nerve stimulation targets nerves outside of the spinal cord. This technique also involves placing a small electrode near the affected nerve. The electrode delivers electrical pulses that interfere with the pain signals before they reach the brain and spinal cord, which provides an alternative for localized pain. Both types of stimulation are managed through an external remote control, and a patient has the ability to turn the device on or off.
Regeneration Techniques
Regenerative techniques use substances from the body to support the healing process. While these approaches are still being studied, they present options for certain musculoskeletal conditions. Two methods illustrate different concepts, and they help clarify the points being discussed:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)
PRP therapy involves drawing a sample of the patient’s blood. The blood is then processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors. The PRP is injected into the injured area to help enhance the body’s natural repair mechanisms.
BMAC is another procedure that utilizes the body’s own cells. A physician can extract bone marrow, typically from the hip bone, because this tissue contains stem cells. The aspirate is concentrated and then injected at the injury or pain site.
Find Pain Management Services
Finding a qualified specialist is a step toward addressing persistent pain. A pain management provider can evaluate your specific condition, and they may perform diagnostic tests to identify the source of the discomfort. Based on this evaluation, they will discuss available treatment options with you. Contact a pain management clinic to schedule your consultation because obtaining professional guidance is the key to effective pain relief.